Central Texas flash floods from July 4–6 have caused at least 83 fatalities, including 28 children, with around 41 people still missing. The Guadalupe River surged dramatically, devastating Camp Mystic. Ongoing rescue efforts face risks from continued rain.

President Trump declared a federal major disaster in central Texas, mobilizing FEMA and unlocking funding for housing, repairs, and low-cost loans following the deadly floods.

Elon Musk proclaimed on July 5 the creation of the “America Party” via his X platform, following a poll where ~65% of 1.2 million respondents supported it. Championed as a response to Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” the new party aims to reduce national debt, modernize the military with AI and robotics, cut regulations, and promote pro-natal policies. Musk plans to focus on a few pivotal House and Senate seats instead of a full presidential run.

On July 6, Trump called Musk’s “America Party” move “ridiculous,” warning that a third party would create confusion and go against America’s two-party structure.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in a CNN interview, urged Musk to focus on Tesla and SpaceX rather than launching the “America Party,” suggesting that stakeholders would prefer his attention remain on business.

The new “One Big, Beautiful Bill” signed July 4 slashes over $1 trillion from federal healthcare spending over a decade, primarily targeting Medicaid. About 8.7 million people could lose coverage under stricter income checks, work requirements, and truncated enrollment periods. Rural hospitals anticipate up to $665 billion in payment cuts, risking closures and service reductions. State-directed provider tax limits will reduce funding, squeezing Medicaid expansion states.

Recent ICE raids across Los Angeles have prompted immigrant workers—key to construction, landscaping, and car wash industries—to go into hiding. This labor withdrawal has stalled projects, disrupted renovations, and hampered small businesses, compounding recovery struggles following recent wildfires.